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The Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon Interim Report (2006) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Pages 1-5

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From page 1...
... PRIORITIES, FINDINGS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS Within a balanced science program the committee provides the following prioritization of lunar science goals that can be accomplished by lunar measurements and analyses during the early phases of the Vision for Space Exploration. It has used the prioritization criteria adopted by the decadal survey New Frontiers in the Solar System: An Integrated Exploration Strategy (NRC, 2003)
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From page 2...
... Recommendation 1: The committee urges NASA to make a strategic commitment to stimulate lunar research and engage the broad scientific community2 by establishing two enabling programs, one for fundamental lunar research and one for lunar data analysis. Information from these two efforts, the Lunar Fundamental Research Program and the Lunar Data Analysis Program, will speed and revolutionize understanding of the Moon as the Vision for Space Exploration proceeds.
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From page 3...
... Recommendation 5: Development of a comprehensive process for lunar landing site selection that addresses the science goals of Table 14 should be started by a science definition team. The choice of specific sites should be permitted to evolve as understanding of lunar science progresses through the refinement of science goals and the analysis of existing and newly acquired data.
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From page 4...
... The committee also presents several related findings and recommendations intended to facilitate a balanced program to reach the scientific goals: Finding 1R: Optimize the partnership between NASA's Exploration Systems Mission and Science Mission Directorates. Recommendation 1R: Prior Space Studies Board reports examined management approaches to the integration of human exploration and space science.
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From page 5...
... An integrated human/robotic program should be developed using robotic assistants and independent autonomous/teleoperated robotic systems. The capabilities of these systems should be designed in cooperation with the science community and operations planning teams that will design lunar surface operations.
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Key Terms

  • lunar science
  • lunar polar
  • space exploration
  • lunar samples
  • science community

  • site selection
  • polar deposits
  • lunar surface
  • lunar research
  • lunar data

  • space science
  • science mission
  • human exploration
  • polar environment
  • integrated exploration

  • planetary body
  • broad scientific
  • mission directorates
  • differentiated planetary
  • processes involved

  • lunar exploration
  • lunar landing
  • design lunar
  • stimulate lunar
  • lunar program

  • fundamental lunar
  • lunar interior
  • lunar activities
  • lunar field
  • astronaut lunar


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